Aftermath: Galaxy Vs. Wizards

By: NathanHJ | September 14th, 2008

Put a fork in them. They are done.

With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Galaxy went to Kansas City to visit the other worst team in the league. This time they were a full strength, facing a squad that has the most anemic attack. Boasting a somewhat improved defense and a new focus on basics since the arrival of King Bruce, this game really should have been a competitive victory for the Galaxy.

It was not to be. Shanked twice in quick succession midway through the second half, the Galaxy never mounted a serious offensive threat, looking out of sync and out of gas. Despite the presence of four starters who missed last game due to international call-ups, the team never got into a rhythm. Flashes of brilliance were too often foiled by bad decision-making in the box or poor execution. And when Kansas City got a scrappy goal in the 67th minute from Josh Wolff and then a potential Goal of the Week strike from Davy Arnaud in the 69th, the Galaxy had no answer. The fact that Alan Gordon was the sum total of reenforcements off the bench speaks for itself.

This was one of the most frustrating games I’ve watch all season. In other games I’ve blamed it on the lack of having a full-strength squad. This time that excuse didn’t exist, though I think it is clear that playing in World Cup qualifiers and traveling around the world took its tool on the four LA starters involved. As I noted above, there was no rhythm, little connection in the midfield and a lot of playing long balls that went wanting because of the short field.

It brought to mind last year’s game against Columbus at home where the Galaxy played most of the game a man up but still managed to lose 3-2. Both teams missed the playoffs in 2007. One year later Columbus, on the third year of a rebuilding program is the best team in the league. And the Galaxy are the worst.

Based on last year’s finishing, I think the Galaxy need at least 42 points (and probably more) to guarantee a spot in the playoffs. They have 26. That means they need 16 points from the remaining 18 points on offer (6 games). They need 6 wins or 5 wins and 1 tie. They play 3 of those games away. To Chicago, Columbus, and Houston. At home they host DC United, Colorado, and Dallas. I don’t see how they can pick up points in any of their away games, much less the full three in each. Add-in October World Cup call-ups and I don’t see the team winning more than two of their final 6 games.

The time is now to start grooming those players who are going to be the future of the team for 2008 to play in games that matter. Of course this grooming depends on being injury-free and players like Brandon McDonald and Ely Allen and Alvaro Piers all have injuries. And, frankly, beyond Brandon McDonald and possibly Julian Valentin, I don’t know who looks like they could step up. I still have hopes for Josh Tudela, but while I like his work rate, I’m not impressed with his basic skills. The same with Mike Randolph, though I do see him learning something new every game he plays. Bryan Jordan’s play has improved dramatically with his loan to the Portland Timbers and he could turn into a dependable MLS attacker next year. He should get looks for the rest of the season.

What did you guys thinks of the game? Are the Galaxy going to make the playoffs? Who should King Bruce be playing over the next 6 games? Share your thought in the comments.